The significance of blood pressure at varied body postures

ObjectiveTo discuss the effect of postural factors on the blood pressure.MethodsBlood pressure was monitored and recorded at different postures in 120 patients by way of self comparison.ResultsThe observation indicated that blood pressure fluctuations caused by different body postures were relevant to whether arm is higher or lower than heart in position. Blood pressure taken at the left or right arm at different body postures varied significantly ( P 0.05).ConclusionPostural variations at examination pose obvious effect on blood pressure. Blood pressure taken at right sided sleeping position is more constant than that at right sided and the body postures need not be taken into consideration at examining the blood pressure at the right sided sleeping position. For those receiving continuous blood pressure monitoring, the exact posture and the position at examination have to be recorded in order to assist judging the degree of illness, making diagnosis and conduct appropriate treatment, especially when blood pressure fluctuates to the critical limit.